When it comes to shorts, the outseam is an essential measurement to know, especially when you’re shopping online or browsing through your favorite e-commerce store. The outseam refers to the full length of the shorts, starting from the buckle or waistband to the bottom hem. It plays a crucial role in ensuring that you find the perfect fit. For many customers, determining the outseam measurement might seem like a mystery, but once you learn how to measure it properly, choosing the right pair becomes much easier.
The outseam vs inseam debate often comes up when shopping for swim trunks or board shorts, as these types of shorts are designed to offer different lengths and fits. The inseam, which measures the length from the crotch to the bottom of the shorts, can sometimes differ greatly from the outseam. By understanding both measurements, you can ensure that your perfect pair of shorts fits you just right. Whether you’re preparing for a summer day or just want to update your wardrobe, having a size guide to help you navigate these measurements will ensure you get the correct measurement every time. So, next time you’re shopping, you’ll know the correct way to determine your outseam measurement and inseam measurement to find the best shorts for your needs.
Cool, But What’s the Outseam?
When you’re shopping for the perfect pair of shorts, understanding the outseam is key. The outseam is a measurement taken from the top of the waistband to the bottom of the hem, indicating the overall length of your shorts. This measurement will tell you how much leg coverage you get, whether you’re looking for a laid-back look for a beach day or something a bit sportier for a dip in the pool. For swim trunks, the outseam typically ranges from 7-9 inches, offering just the right amount of freedom while still keeping you covered. On the other hand, if you prefer a longer outseam, like a 15-inch length, you’ll get more coverage, with the shorts sitting closer to or just above the knee. This measurement will help you find that balance between comfort and style, whether you’re going for a shorter, more fitted look or something with a bit more room to move.
Understanding the Outseam Measurement for Shorts
When we talk about the outseam, we are referring to the distance between the waistband and the bottom hem of your shorts. It measures the overall length of the pants or shorts along the outer side from the top to the bottom, tracing down the leg. This simple yet crucial measurement is important for clothing manufacturers and tailors who need accurate specs for the right fit.
To properly measure the outseam, take a tape measure and start from your hip bone, where the waistband sits, and then measure all the way to the bottom of the hem, ensuring you’re including any decorative elements like tassels or side seams that may be at the bottom. This will give you the total length of the shorts along the outer edge. The measurement can vary depending on how long or short you want your shorts, and it’s essential when using a size guide for a proper fit.
Why Is the Outseam Measurement Important?
The outseam is key for getting the right fit when shopping online. Without proper sizing and measurement, shorts are often the most returned item, leading to lost revenue for e-commerce companies. Following sizing guidelines helps reduce returns and ensures that customers get the goods they ordered, avoiding frustration and improving satisfaction. By accurately measuring the outseam, you can make smarter online purchases and reduce the number of items that end up being returned.
Outseam vs Inseam: Key Differences
When choosing shorts fit, it’s essential to understand both the outseam and inseam. The inseam measures from the crotch to the bottom of the leg, directly impacting leg room and comfort. Meanwhile, the outseam measures the overall length from the waistband to the hem, determining how your shorts hang.
Getting the right balance between inseam and outseam is crucial. Too much inseam can leave you feeling drowning, while too little inseam may feel uncomfortable. The outseam helps determine the length and gives a sense of the fit overall, ensuring your shorts are both comfortable and provide enough leg room. Balancing both measurements is the key to finding a proper fit.
How Do You Measure an Outseam?
In general, you can measure the outseam in two ways.
Using Well-Fitting Pants for Accurate Measurement
To measure the outseam on shorts, start with a pair of well-fitting pants. Lay them flat on a table, ensuring the fabric is smooth. Use a soft tape measure to measure from the waistband to the hem along the side of the pants. Whether it’s men’s pants or women’s pants, ensure the fit is comfortable. Round your measurement to the nearest ¼ inch or whole inch for accuracy. This will help you find the right size for your shorts.
Measuring the Body for Accurate Shorts Fit
To get the right outseam for your shorts, start by measuring your body at the natural waistline. The waist is the spot where your body bends. For the leg length, measure from the waistband to just above your ankle bone. Take the hip measurement at the widest point of your hip. Remember to wear your footwear or shoes while measuring for the best fit. This method helps ensure the shorts fit your body and style.
Shorts Styles and Their Perfect Outseam Lengths
| Shorts Style | Outseam Length Range | Best For |
| Swim Trunks | 5-7 inches | Casual beach days, swimming, laid-back outings. |
| Board Shorts | 8-10 inches | Surfing, beach sports, or general summer activities. |
| Athletic Shorts | 8-12 inches | Gym, running, sports, and other high-mobility activities. |
| Casual Shorts | 9-14 inches | Everyday wear, errands, or casual dinners. |
| Cargo Shorts | 15-19 inches | Longer style, more formal casual wear, or outdoor activities like hiking. |
How Much Longer is the Outseam Than the Inseam?
When you’re looking to measure the outseam of your shorts, it’s important to understand the difference between it and the inseam. The outseam is typically about 25% longer than the inseam. For example, if your shorts have a 32-inch inseam, the outseam could be around 40-inch depending on the style and fit. However, there is no set difference—it can vary based on the cut and the length you prefer. To get an accurate measurement, you should always calculate both the outseam and inseam to ensure the perfect fit for your body type and style preferences. Many customers often make the mistake of not measuring properly, so it’s essential to get both measurements right to make the best decision for your wardrobe.
Measuring Your Shorts: The Outseam Edition
When it comes to measuring your shorts, the outseam is an essential step to get the perfect fit. Unlike the inseam, which measures the inside of the leg, the outseam measures from the very top of the waistband all the way down to the bottom hem, giving you the total length of the shorts. Here’s how to measure it effectively.
- Lay Your Shorts Flat: Find a smooth, flat surface such as your bed or desk. Lay your shorts down flat, making sure there are no wrinkles or bunching, as this could distort the measurement.
- Locate the Waistband: Start measuring from the top of the waistband. This is where your waist size is measured, and it’s important to start from here for accuracy.
- Measure to the Hem: Now, measure all the way down the outside of the shorts, from the top of the waistband to the bottom hem. This measurement gives you the outseam.
By following these steps, you’ll know the outseam length, which is crucial when it comes to picking the right size and fit for your shorts. Just remember, the outseam gives you the full length from top to bottom, so take it carefully to get your ideal fit!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Measuring the Outseam
- Starting at the wrong point on your body can lead to incorrect measurements. Always begin from the correct positions—typically from the waistband to the hem of the shorts.
- Measuring with poor posture can distort your results. Make sure you stand up straight while holding the measuring tool. Avoid being unnaturally rigid or slouching, as it can cause inaccurate readings.
- Measuring over bulky clothes or baggy pants will add extra length to your measurement. For accurate results, wear form-fitting clothes or skin-tight gear when measuring.
- Don’t stop measuring too early or far up the leg. You should measure the full length of the shorts from the beginning at the waistband to the ending at the desired hemline.
- Avoid using a tight or loose measuring tool. Keep the tape measure snug but not tight, ensuring the right fit without causing any slack or tension.
- Rounding the measurement to the nearest ¼ inch might seem convenient, but it can lead to a less accurate measurement. Pay attention to the exact number and always double-check to ensure precision.
- Measuring down too far or up too high on the leg can result in errors. Stay consistent with the method and check the accuracy to ensure the measurement reflects the true outseam length.
- Don’t overlook the importance of a flattering fit. Be mindful of how the length aligns with your desired look, whether for men or women.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll achieve a more accurate outseam measurement that ensures a better-fitting pair of shorts.
FAQs
What Does a 17-Inch Outseam Mean?
A 17-inch outseam refers to the length from the top of the waistband to the bottom of the hem on a pair of shorts. To measure this, use a tape measure along the side seam, starting at the waistband and measuring down to the bottom. A 17-inch outseam is generally considered a shorter length, often sitting above the knee for a comfortable fit. This measurement is useful for finding the right size based on the fit you want and is commonly found in size guides for shorts and pants.
What Does a 32-Inseam Mean on Shorts?
A 32 inseam is the distance from the crotch to the bottom of the shorts. It’s key to the fit, affecting the leg and opening. Knowing your inseam ensures the right length, just like with jeans, and helps the zipper sit comfortably. Understanding this measurement makes sure your shorts feel just right.
What length pants for a 5’11” man?
| Height | Approx inseam |
| 5’9″ – 5’10” | 30″ |
| 5’11” – 6’1″ | 32″ |
| 6’2″ – up | 34″ |
Understanding Outseam Body Measurement
The outseam is the measurement from the waist to the floor, along the side of your shorts. To measure it, use a measuring tape and start at your waist, following the leg’s natural curve. Make sure to bend slightly to ensure the tape lies correctly. This gives you the pant length and ensures the right length for your shorts, so they fit comfortably and look great.
Inseam vs. Outseam
The inseam is the distance from the crotch to the hem on the inner leg, while the outseam measures from the top of the hip to the hem, covering the outside of the leg. For shorts, the outseam gives the full length, from the waist to the ankle, while the inseam focuses on the inner part of the leg.
What Does a 17″ Outseam Mean?
A 17” outseam refers to the length of the shorts from the waistband to the hem at the bottom. It is considered a shorter length, commonly found in board shorts or casual styles, offering more mobility. The outseam measurement is often categorized based on style and fit, with longer lengths like 18” or 19” offering more coverage. When choosing shorts, comparing the outseam to the inseam helps you understand the overall fit and size range.
